A Level Board: AQA

Do you want the challenge of deepening your understanding of life on every scale - from rainforests to a single antibiotic resistant bacterium, from organ systems to DNA and biochemistry?

The study of Biology is highly relevant, diverse and dynamic; it will allow you to discover just how awe inspiring the natural world truly is.

This highly respected qualification is divided into  eight diverse sections, including twelve compulsory areas of practical work over the two years  and will provide you with a wide range of skills at an advanced level including – literacy, numeracy and the ability to make connections between natural, social, economic and ethical fields.

Where it leads/ what students say:

You will also have taken the first steps towards careers that work to solve the biggest challenges currently faced by society today – fighting disease, managing and protecting the environment and feeding our ever growing population.

"In A level Biology, we learn about what makes up living organisms as well as proteins and how complex we are. We find out how such tiny things such as the change in a bit of DNA can have huge effects and lead to illness – and how to cure those illnesses."

"I chose to study Biology, as I am fascinated by how living organisms work.  Although there is a tonne of work and some ideas that are utterly befuddling, it is absolutely worth it to be able to understand how exactly DNA is made or how us as humans came into existence."

A Level Board: OCR

This course offers a stepping stone from GCSE Science and prepares you for the more in depth scientific study of higher education courses or the world of work in a scientific career.

In this course, you will study areas of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry, reaction kinetics, energetic and thermodynamics, as well as analytical techniques and chemistry in the environment.

You will gain an appreciation of important chemical processes and principles which are fundamental to our understanding of the world around us, learning how scientists investigate phenomena.

The course is also heavily practical based and some questions in the final written assessments will assess your knowledge of practical procedures.

Where does it lead?

You could go on to study for a higher education degree in a range of science based subjects such as, chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, veterinary science, environmental science, pharmaceuticals, forensics, chemical engineering, mathematics.

While students have also gone onto study non science subjects such as: classics, geography, economics, history, law, philosophy and english literature amongst many others.

A scientific training also stands you in good stead for careers in a range of occupations from management to marketing.

 

 

 

What do current Sixth Form students say about Chemistry?

"One of my favourite things about chemistry is how it is very relevant to the real world – there is always a realistic scenario in which you can apply your knowledge and find it useful."

"The teaching is superb and help is always offered."

"The best part of the course for me is the practicals as they’re really interesting."

Contact: Dr Gelling

Exam Board: AQA

Physics is the study of matter and energy and how they interact with each other.

Physics is not set in stone – it, like science, is constantly evolving and new theories, discoveries and ways of thinking gradually take the place of previous knowledge and understanding.  

You will study a wide range of topics from Particle Physics to Field Theory and Waves to Mechanics.

Why study Physics?

Students who study Physics not only have the option of following a career or research in the subject but are also able to apply their learning to other subjects at university such as, Engineering, Electronics or Meteorology.  Other students study Physics because it is useful, even if not essential, for their chosen career such as, Medicine or Biochemistry. Due to the training in problem-solving and logical thought that Physics provides it is a highly regarded qualification and is an excellent subject choice for other careers such as law or accountancy.

Contact: Mr Mustin

What do current Sixth Form students say about it?

"Physics involves complex and challenging problem solving which is very rewarding."

"The department are always willing to offer extra support."

"The teachers provide us with plenty of revision, giving us every opportunity to improve."